Residents in Pickmere were told last week that a planning inspector had overturned Macclesfield's decision to refuse 47 homes on their doorstep.

"This is a tremendous blow," said Clr Moira Taylor.

"There will no longer be a village of Pickmere. The roads and the little shop just can't cater for all of these."

It is believed the loss of the appeal cost Macclesfield Borough Council about £25,000.

As news of Maunders' victory emerged, Knutsford councillors were last week faced with a second plan for more homes in the village - from Crosby's.

Crosby's want to build 11 mews-style homes on the site of a car showroom near the caravan site.

Planning officers at Macclesfield had recommended Crosby's plans be approved, arguing the site wasn't part of the green belt.

But councillors rejected them.

Clr Bert Grange said he would oppose the development because of the strength of local feeling, but warned: 'It will be won on appeal.'

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